Learning in Atlanta with Kids

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Learning in Atlanta with kids may sound like a tall order, but that just means you haven’t looked hard enough. Look a little closer, and you will discover a wealth of history, culture and fun! Introduce them to the author of an American masterpiece, walk the historic trail of the civil rights movement, and help them explore a potential new career. From sports fans to news junkies, kids will be entertained, while parents sneak in learning like vegetables. The best news of all? Many of Atlanta’s best activities are free!

Explore Atlanta’s history and culture

Did you know that Margaret Mitchell wrote “Gone with the Wind” in Atlanta? Watch the movie with your kids before your trip and then visit Margaret Mitchell House, a three-story Tudor Revival mansion where she penned her famous novel.

Learn with your kids about the American Civil War and see over 1,500 artifacts that include cannons, uniforms and flags at the Atlanta History Center. There are guided tours and free audio tours available.

Sports-loving families will enjoy touring the Centennial Olympic Park, home to the 1996 Olympic Games. See the world’s largest Olympic Ring Fountain and explore the impressive monuments and engravings along the walkways.

Discover the ocean’s creatures

Brightly colored fish, whale sharks, and manta rays swim through the plentiful tanks at the impressive Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Before you enter the Ocean Voyager exhibit, pick up a Dive Card. These cards feature pictures and names of the various types of sea life that can be found in the exhibit. Encourage children to spot and name the different fish as they swim by and above your family.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – Interior of Georgia Aquarium with the people, the world’s largest aquarium holding more than 8 million gallons of water in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo credit: depositphotos.com)

Become a newscaster for a day

At CNN headquarters in downtown Atlanta, families can embark on an Inside CNN Studio Tour that runs about 60 minutes and is suitable for kids elementary age and older. My family’s tour guide did a wonderful job of keeping the attention of my young children (ages 5 and 7). Both of my kids got some real-life experience becoming weather announcers for a day. They also got a chance to see a real newsroom full of employees in action.

Kids learn by doing as part of CNN headquarters Newscaster for a Day program in Atlanta Georgia (Photo credit: depositphotos.com)

Taste flavors from around the world

During a visit to The World of Coca-Cola, learn about the history of this international soda company and see the vault where Coca-Cola’s secret recipe is kept. What kids will remember most, though, is taste-testing various beverages from around the globe. In the tasting room, find fountain drinks categorized by continent. Grab a cup and start sipping — you can stay as long as you want. My kids agreed that blue raspberry was the best. A pineapple-flavored soda was my personal favorite. Atlanta with kids is suddenly tasting very good!

Coca-Cola Memorabilia from around the world at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo credit: Karen Foley Photography, Depositphotos.com)

Stay in the city

On this trip to Atlanta, my family checked into the Omni Hotel at the CNN Center, which is located in the heart of downtown within walking distance of many local attractions. Once we parked our car, we didn’t have to move it again until it was time to drive home.

Our weekend spent running around downtown Atlanta from one attraction to the next didn’t even touch the surface of the many learning opportunities the city has to offer. We are already planning a trip back so that we can visit the Fernbank Museum of Natural History where we will learn more about dinosaurs, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to learn about flowers, and Yellow River Game Ranch to learn about the animals that are native to Georgia. Visiting Atlanta with kids is certainly a worthwhile learning experience!

What learning experience in Atlanta appeals most to you? Let us know in the comments below!

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About Jennifer Close, Travel Mamas Blogger

Jennifer Close loves to explore and take new adventures with her family down the street, across the country and around the world. She writes about her adventures on her family travel blog, TwoKidsAndAMap.com.

Hi there! I'm Colleen Lanin, the founder of Travel Mamas. I launched this family travel blog in 2009 to help parents better connect with their kids and the world through travel and beyond. I love being a mom, traveling, swimming in fabulous hotel pools, and doing Pilates so I can eat lots of gluten-free dessert. Click on the pic to learn more about moi!